A Manchester City fan has been charged after alleged racist abuse towards footballers at the derby against rivals Manchester United last year.
Anthony Burke, 41, was charged with a racially aggravated offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act following the incident at the match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on December 7, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said.
Video which circulated on social media following the match, which United won 2-1, appeared to show a fan aiming monkey chants towards Manchester United players including midfielder Fred.
The force spokesman said police were called just before 7pm on the day to a report of a supporter making alleged racist gestures and sounds towards players.
Burke, of Panfield Road, Wythenshawe, will appear at Salford and Manchester Magistrates' Court on April 15.
In December, the City fan arrested for an alleged racist gesture towards Manchester United midfielder Fred offered an alternative explanation.
Burke, an army veteran, took to his Facebook profile to refute the allegation that he is a racist and wrote: "Listen, I'm only racist c*** because I had a screen shot that made me look it.
"However I ain't racist, watch the match half of it was me with me putting my hands in my pants.
"Bullsh** not ar*** I know the true and I've already made appointment to speak to the police which I did so think what you like."
City released a statement in the immediate aftermath of the derby, vowing to ban any supporter found guilty of racist abuse for life.
" Manchester City FC are aware of a video circulating on social media which appears to show a supporter making racial gestures during the second half of the match against Manchester United this evening," the club said.
"Officials from the club are working with Greater Manchester Police in order to help them identify any individuals concerned and assist with their enquiries.
"The club are also working with GMP regarding an instance of objects being thrown onto the field of play.
"The club operates a zero tolerance policy regarding discrimination of any kind, and anyone found guilty of racial abuse will be banned from the club for life."
